This project is the brainchild of Kirk Venge, son of Napa veteran winemaker Nils Venge. While his father has been immersed in the intricacies of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvigon, Kirk focused his early efforts with Croix Estate on limited production Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sonoma County. The name derives from the French term for cross, as Kirk wanted to cross the divide and establish his expertise beyond Napa Valley. The first official release of Croix Estate wine was in 2012.  The winery sources fruit from some of the best vineyard locations and growers throughout Sonoma County. 

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17 Starlings Roost Chardonnay: Croix Estate winery is still flying under the radar. This unctuous Chardonnay has lots of buttercream and orange marmalade, but still stays in balance with enough freshness. It is creamy and broad shouldered with vanilla bean  and slivered almonds adding to its complexity. Long and inviting.

17 Thomas Creek Pinot Noir: The Croix wines are well-crafted and overly generous in their expression.  Purple violets and lilac pull you into this wine as it unfolds in your mouth with ripe orchard fruits and warm baking spices. It is silky and almost mind blowing with continuous layers on top of layer.